Kalamazoo, MI:On Tuesday May 7th, 2019 at approximately 4:45pm, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety responded to the intersection of S. Westnedge Ave and South St. regarding a two vehicle crash with injuries.

Public Safety Officers responded and discovered that a power pole had also been struck and had taken down the traffic control device at the intersection. Three occupants of the involved vehicles were transported to an area hospital for non-life threatening injuries. The investigation revealed that one of the vehicles drove through a red light and struck the second vehicle. The at-fault driver was cited on scene and released. Alcohol and drugs do not appear to be a factor in the crash.

The S. Westnedge Ave and South Street intersection is closed until the light pole and traffic control device can be repaired. KDPS is requesting that vehicular and pedestrian traffic avoid the area.

A second press release will be released when the roadway is opened back up.

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to call the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269-488-8911, Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Kalamazoo, MI: On 05-04-19 just after 4:00 am KDPS Officers responded to the 600 Blk of Mable St. in reference to a fight complaint. A 26 year old male Kalamazoo resident was located and he sustained an injury to his head from being struck in the face by a handgun. He also sustained a gunshot wound to the head. This individual was transported to a local hospital where he was listed in stable condition.

KDPS officers conducted an investigation into the incident and a suspect was identified as a 29 year old Kalamazoo resident. Officers vigorously patrolled areas known for this suspect to hangout and just prior to 8:00 pm officers located the suspect and arrested him without incident. The suspect was lodged at Kalamazoo County Jail on Felony Assault and multiple weapons offense charges.

Public Safety is requesting anyone with information about this crime to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994, the Criminal Investigation Division at 337-8139, or Silent Observer at 343-2100.

On May 5th 2019, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety received a report of a woman whose kayak had been submerged and lodged in debris. She was currently stranded on a portion of the Kalamazoo River behind Mayor’s Riverfront Park. She was reportedly out of the water; however she was on the bank that was not accessible easily by land. The area she was in was surrounded by high walls and an abandoned train trestle.

Public Safety Officers assigned to Rescue 6 and Squad 6 were called to rescue the victim. Utilizing the Rescue Boat, the Officers were able to rescue the victim and return her to her family safely. The victim was taken downriver to meet up with the rest of her family who was also kayaking the Kalamazoo River. The victim was grateful for the rescue and had mentioned that all of her personal belongings (cell phone, wallet, and car keys) were still in the kayak that was 80% submerged.

During the beginning stages of retrieving the kayak and personal property, two citizens in canoes offered their assistance. They were able to dislodge the kayak and recover the personal property. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety graciously thanks these two anonymous citizens for assisting in the retrieval of the victim’s personal effects and kayak.

Kalamazoo, MI: On April 8, 2019, at 10:27 p.m., Public Safety Officers responded to a business in the 800-block of S. Burdick St. for a report of an armed robbery. The clerk reported a suspect pointed a black handgun at him and demanded cash. The suspect then grabbed the entire cash register and fled the business.

The suspect is described as a black male with a medium build. He was wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and white Nike shoes. He also had an orange mask on. The suspect fled on foot southbound from the store. A K-9 track was done, and based on the results it is believed the suspect entered a getaway vehicle.

This incident is still under investigation and Public Safety is asking anyone with information to contact Kalamazoo Public Safety at 269-337-8994 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100, kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Kalamazoo, MI: On April 7th, 2019 Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Officers were responding to multiple calls for service related to crowds, fights, noise and shots fired in the areas of 700 and 1100 blocks of Douglas Ave, 1500 Fox Ridge Dr, 900 N Westnedge Ave, 1100 Princeton Ave, 700 Hawley St and 400 W Michigan Ave related to what is commonly referred to as the “x-train”. The calls for service related to these issues extended from approximately midnight to 0330hrs and were addressed by multiple officers. The following investigations were conducted during this time period:

At approximately 12:05 am officers responded to the area of Florence and N Westnedge for a report of a female firing a handgun. During the investigation the suspect was located and identified as a 22 year old female Kalamazoo resident who was arrested on felony charges related to felonious assault and possession of a firearm in commission of a felony.

Officers responded to the area of Princeton Ave and Norway Ave around 1:30 AM for a report of shots fired. Upon arrival no one was located in the area but a total of 12 spent shell casings were located along the roadway between Norway and W Paterson Ave. It appeared the rounds were fired from a moving vehicle.

At approximately 2:40 AM a traffic stop was conducted in the 700 block of Douglas Ave as officers continued to address the x-train. During the traffic stop ammunition was observed inside the vehicle which ultimately led to the recovery of an unregistered handgun. The driver of the vehicle, a 22 year old Kalamazoo resident was arrested on felony charges related to the gun.

At approximately 3:20 officers responded to a hit and run accident near the area of E Frank and N Burdick St. When officers arrived there were no vehicles near this intersection however shortly thereafter one of the vehicles was located at N Burdick and W Paterson with front end damage. A 39 year old Kalamazoo male was arrested for Operating while intoxicated.

Anyone who has information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8120 or Silent Observer at 343-2100. By authority of: Lt VanderKlok